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  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Adding Odd Numbers

Age 11 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
  • Student Solutions
  • Teachers' Resources

 

Why do this problem?

This problem, along with the rest of the problems in the Proof for All (st)ages feature, provides an excellent context for observing, conjecturing and thinking about proof, and for appreciating the power of algebra.

 

Possible approach

These printable cards for sorting may be useful: 
Adding Odd Numbers Proof Sort
 

Key question

Is there a way to represent the sum of odd numbers that will help to explain the patterns you noticed?

 

Possible support


Encourage students to work in pairs on the proof sorting exercise.
 
Before embarking on this problem, students could take a look at I Like to Prove It!, which contains a collection of more accessible problems that also challenge students to develop convincing arguments.

     

    Possible extension

     
    Students could be encouraged to work on the rest of the problems in the Proof for All (st)ages feature.

     

     

     

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    The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

    NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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